Australian motorists reveal their worst habits behind the wheel

Turns out we have some bad habits behind the wheel, split across generations and genders.

Almost 40 per cent of Australian motorists have eaten takeaway behind the wheel, while nearly a third have driven in thongs, according to new research from finder.com.au.

The firm’s Safe Driving Report 2018 reveals 38 per cent of drivers have eaten while driving, 31 per cent have driven in thongs, 20 per cent have sent a text and 14 per cent have smoked.

Perhaps most concerning, 14 per cent admitted to steering with their knees on the move. Reading a book, changing clothes and applying makeup were also on the list, while a staggering 27 per cent answer their phone and put it to their ear.

Some respondents even admitted to – and no, we’re not making this up – “challenging themselves to drive for as long as possible with their eyes closed”.

Looking through the generational lens, Baby Boomers were the least likely to have distracted themselves while driving, with 42 per cent claiming a clean record. With that said, they were the second most likely to have smoked behind the wheel, with 20 per cent admitting to the practice.

Generation X was the most likely to smoke, with a quarter of respondents saying they’ve indulged in a durry while driving, while just 13 per cent of Generation Y have done the same.

The youngest drivers on the road aren’t beyond reproach – far from it, as it turns out. A whopping 41 per cent admitted to using their phones while driving, for example.

Splitting things by gender, women were more likely to drive in thongs and to eat behind the wheel.

“If you’re deemed to have been driving recklessly or engaging in risky behaviour behind the wheel and you are in an accident, you may not be able to claim the damage on your insurance,” said Bessie Hassan, finder money expert. Given its role as a policy comparison site, it’s not surprising to see finder pulling the issue back to insurance.

“Comprehensive car insurance also won’t cover damage that’s been caused by illegal activities such as texting and driving.”